If you have been injured in an accident recently due to the negligence of another, you may be wondering how to recover compensation for your injuries. In order to receive compensation, accident victims must be able to provide evidence proving that the other driver is to blame for the crash. When preparing a car accident case for trial, it is critical that prosecutors have witnesses who saw or heard the accident take place.
What Are the Three Types of Witnesses?
There are three types of witnesses in a case:
Lay Witness
A lay witness, or eyewitness, is a witness who saw the accident occur. Lay witnesses are critical when developing the beginning stages of a case, as they have knowledge of what actions occurred at the scene of the accident. In some instances, an eyewitness will provide misleading information that is inaccurate that can ruin weeks of preparation. It is critical to have a reliable witness that provides accurate information about the accident to help prove your case.
Expert Witness
An expert witness is someone who testifies at a trial due to their knowledge and expertise in a specific area that has relevance to the case. Expert witnesses can include, but are not limited to, social workers, doctors, psychologists, and other professionals. It is important that expert witnesses be advised when speaking on complicated facts in front of jury members and judges, as many may not be familiar with them.
Character Witness
A character witness is someone who can attest on behalf of another person to identify that person’s positive or negative characteristics and reputation. Examples of character witnesses could include a family member or someone who knows the individual. Testimonies of character witnesses are valuable to court cases in order to understand the individual’s background.
Can A Friend or Relative Be A Witness in A Car Accident?
Yes, your friend or relative may be a witness in an accident case. If they saw the car accident occur, their statements can be used as sufficient evidence, as long as they are deemed credible. A relative or friend may be hesitant in their testimonies, so it is important for them to be as truthful. Although their statement may be seen as biased, it is still acceptable. There is no discrimination toward any eyewitness testimonies in a personal injury case. It may be beneficial to also have a witness you are unfamiliar with, as they will not present the same bias as a friend or family member would.
Can A Passenger Be a Witness?
If you were a passenger in a car accident, you may be considered a witness. Although, a passenger’s testimony may not influence the jury or judge. In order to be a credible witness, you must provide unbiased evidence to the case. The passenger witness must have seen the vehicles before, during, and after the accident happened.
Tips for Witnesses When Testifying in Court
If you are called to testify as a witness, you may be nervous and unsure of what to expect. Here are a few tips to help prepare you in court.
- Be serious and respectful
- Dress appropriately
- Remain calm
- Do not speculate or exaggerate
- Think before you speak
- Tell the truth
- Do not volunteer information about testimony until case is over
Credible witnesses are those who are competent, trustworthy, and qualified to testify. A witness’s credibility is determined by their experiences, education, and competence. Witnesses can play a critical role in determining who is the at-fault party following a car accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience representing accident victims in trial.